A dietary plan based on foods similar to what might have been eaten during the Paleolithic era (2.5 million to 10,000 years ago) is what is meant by Paleo diet. Other names for a paleo diet include Paleolithic diet, Stone Age diet, hunter-gatherer diet and caveman diet.
A paleo diet limits foods that became common when farming emerged about 10,000 years ago which includes dairy products, legumes and grains.
A paleo diet typically includes lean, eats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds- foods that in the past could be obtained by hunting and gathering. The main aim of paleo diet is to return to a way of eating that’s more like what early humans ate.
The rationale behind the diet is that human body is genetically mismatched to the modern diet that emerged with farming practices. Paleo diet is actually about returning to a simpler, healthier way of eating that supports health and well-being.
Dieticians across continue to emphasise on the benefits of the paleo diet. Here now let us look at some of the benefits of paleo diet and why they matters.
Weight Loss
The most standout benefit of paleo diet is weight loss, which is achieved through lower carbohydrate and sugar intake on the diet and eating real, natural foods and cutting out processed food as a core aspect of a paleo diet is eating unprocessed food.
This typically means that a paleo diet tends to be low in carbohydrate as it excludes foods such as grains which require processing. The paleo diet also helps in reducing body fat and consequently leads to weight loss.
Improved Heart Health
Studies and Research have reported that paleo diet have benefits for heart health.
In 2015, scientists discovered that the paleo diet significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and increased HDL compared to a standard diet.
This is particularly useful for people with diabetes as heart diseases is one of the most common diabetes related complications. Paleo diet helps in improving total cholesterol.
You Eat Real Food
Paleo diet focuses on real, whole foods and eliminating most processed ingredients and anything from the junk.
Paleo diet ensures that you automatically eliminate a whole range of preservatives, hidden sugars, sodium, additives, colouring and artificial flavours. This means fewer toxins and chemicals in your body.
The focus of the diet is on quality and sources of food such as grass-fed-beef, wild fish, free- range eggs and organic products which means the food tastes better and you support good farming practices.
Improved Digestion and Reduced Bloating
In Paleo diet many foods that contain compounds known to negatively affect the digestive tract are eliminated and excluded. The culprits of many people digestive issues include excess sugar, dairy, legumes and gluten.
These foods are excluded from the paleo diet, resulting in improved digestion and reduced bloating.
Plenty of plant fibre from vegetables and fruits ensuring the gut flora is in good shape and most people reported improvements to their toilet habits.
Fewer Cravings
Paleo diet contains more protein and healthy fats compared to the typical diet, leaving you satisfied for longer. There will be no more blood sugar spikes that wind up making you hungry and will consequently result in fewer cravings.
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Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation, caused by damage to the lining of your digestive system, can cause increased sensitivity in your immune system. This triggers allergies, asthma, and more.
The Paleo diet eliminates four major inflammation culprits: dairy, gluten, sugar and alcohol. Paleo diet thus helps in reducing inflammation and gives you a strong immune system.
Better Sleep
Adapting Paleo diet gives you a holistic approach to health, treating your mind, body and soul. Your diet is important, but equally is your fitness activity and self-care, including adequate sleep hygiene.
With proper sleep , your body is able to function at its best. Paleo diet thus aids towards a holistic approach to health ensuring adequate sleep for effective functioning of the body.
Eco-Friendly Living and More Energy
Paleo diet’s emphasis on organic, local and seasonal eating. It not only is better for your health, but the environment and the farmers’ benefits as well. The paleo diet encourages eating to live, not living to eat.
You are eating foods that fuel your body rather than plummet your energy levels, like stating your day with eggs and spinach or bacon instead of a blood sugar spiking cookies, donuts, etc, leaving you with more energy to face the day.
After reviewing the benefits of the paleo diet, it’s easy to see why the paleo diet is the best diet for your health. You cannot argue against it but agree to it. Once you switch to the Paleo diet you will see how much better a healthy diet will make you feel.
